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Jun 30th, 2009 - 13:40:33 |
The Electorate
by Adray Ielus
Matmos makes music out of the sounds of objects, animals, people and actions. Considered to be one of the more left-field experimental electronic acts when their self-titled debut was released on their self-owned imprint Vague Terrain (1997), the duo has only expanded their reputation. Based in San Francisco and completely out of the electronica loop, the duo (Drew Daniel and Martin C. Schmidt) found themselves more connected to the indie underground scene.
Matmos’ tools of the trade include electric guitars, synthesizers, drum machines and the human voice. The duo’s experimentalism is part of their methodology, as are collaborations.
Matmos also worked with Björk, in the studio and on tour, on her albums Vespertine and Medúlla. She returned the favor by appearing on their 2006 album The Rose Has Teeth in the Mouth of a Beast. Additionally, they have collaborated with Rachel’s, So Percussion, Jay Lesser, Alter Ego, People Like Us and Kronos Quartet. Did I mention that they’ve scored the soundtracks for five gay porn films, a pinball machine and a NASCAR TV commercial?
Check these guys out Thursday at the one and only D.I.A. | RDW
The Zone
by Origix
If you name yourself Illite, you must be capable of the skillz to rap at a high level, and if you’ve had the pleasure to hear Illite’s album The Forgotten Chosen with partner Octane, then you know he is one of this city’s elite artist. Illite explains his new project, Creme DeLa Crème, as “All the music this time around was real personal, everything stemming from childhood to how I feel about the state of music to friendships, relationships, personal growth.” With his first solo effort, he is taking another step towards putting his stamp on this game. Illite has proven himself over and over, since his first appearance on “Rivers Run Wild” off the Waterworld Two album on Subterraneous Records.
Now he’s starting his own label, Movement Kicksounds. “We’re about quality over quantity, you know, holding yourself to a certain standard, whether it be the shows, clothes, music, life, whatever,” Ilite says. Making timeless music is a must for this Westside Detroit native and any time I have seen him perform the boy kills the mic. Check out myspace.com/eyedouble. | RDW
The Zone Radio with Origix & DC airs Saturday’s 8pm-12am 89.3 fm, stream at whfr.fm, Visit myspace.com/thezoneradio & 2Raw4fm.com.
Deep Cutz
by Jeff Milo
News on the indie/electro-pop front, westward to Ypsi and Ann Arbor. I am smitten with the subtle sophistications of a warm and fuzzy music collective called Night Shall Eat These Girls and Boys. Already with a masterful sensibility for beautiful bob-and-weave dance beats, a cool, careening, hit-the-floor vibe tempered with more somber, sweet solemnities of unique nocturnal cricket-orchestras, they bring synth and drum machines under soft stream of consciousness lyrics, poignant and whirled. Check out their cover of The Supremes’ Where Did Our Love Go? at: myspace.com/thesegirlsandboys.
It may be a ways off yet, but the indomitable Charlie Slick (pictured) from Ann Arbor, the prince of irresistible new-wave hyper-dance romps and giddily hallucinogenic light shows, will be releasing his latest LP, Edward Murphy, on August 9 at the Elbow Room in Ypsilanti — (dig on the new buzzsaw hand-clappin-chaos of “Kissy Kissy” at: myspace.com/charlieslick, while you’re there, get into a groove with the flat-out hypnotic beats of “Coconut Man”) all the more enhanced by the syrupy splendor of Charlie’s coaxing vocals. Before Edward Murphy drops, Slick also opens up for Tilly & the Wall on August 5 at the Magic Stick. | RDW
Motor City’s Burning
by Eric Allen
Tell me this isn’t one of the more frightening photos you’ve ever seen. You would be lying if you say it isn't. Yet, as much as those white masks scare me, the music of The Amino Acids [pictured] does not. A strange mix of surfy reverb, punk attitude and a lack of talking make this band more interesting than most other stuff going around town. Check the band out when they play the Yarrr! PR showcase over at that bar you love on Cass Avenue on August 2. Buy a veteran a beer when you are there, sucka!
Magic will occur this week when The Hentchmen celebrate their birthdays and the release of a new EP on July 26. From the fine folks at Bellyache Records, The Hentchmen vinyl will feature four new songs and limited edition Hentch baseball cards with the first 50 records. To pick up the vinyl and say "Happy Birthday" to Mike and John, make your way to the Park Bar on Saturday night.
Tonight, over at the Corktown Tavern, Meth Teeth from Oregon will be playing. Joining them will be locals the Johnny Ill Band (members of Terrible Twos and other folks) and The Sugar Coats (Zack from The Readies). You will not be disappointed. | RDW
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